Young Bristol host 2023 Annual General Meeting

Young Bristol's Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre is celebrating its 25th anniversary this week, marking a quarter-century of providing life-changing outdoor experiences to thousands of young people across Bristol's iconic harbour.

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Since opening on July 4, 2000, the award-winning centre has grown to become one of Bristol's premier providers of adventure activities, offering 16 water and land-based activities that support young people's physical and mental wellbeing through free and low-cost outdoor experiences.

Our Outdoor Activity Centre celebrates its 25^th anniversary this week, supporting thousands of young people into the outdoors experiencing Bristol’s iconic harbour.  

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This week Young Bristol's Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre celebrates 25 years as one of Bristol’s premier providers of adventurous activities!

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Pooles Wharf has grown to become a place which fosters a spirit of exploration and camaraderie for Bristol’s youth, providing life-changing outdoor experiences to thousands of young people across Bristol's harbour.

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From a coal yard to community hub, over the years the centre has developed numerous programmes and opportunities for schools and colleges, to corporates, families and youth groups - making a difference to even more people across the city.

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Take a look back at Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre's history; from our launch in 2000 to the centre today.

On Saturday 21st June, we were pleased to see Nick and Tom sign up to 'Chase The Sun North' to raise money for Young Bristol!

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Chase the Sun North is a cycling challenge that saw participants cycle 200 miles from East to West, starting at sunrise in Whitley Bay, and finishing at sunset in Ayr, Scotland! The coast to coast cycle is full of stunning vistas, wilderness, heaths, rivers, lochs, castles and beaches.

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It has been amazing to see Nick and Tom prepare for their second 'Chase the Sun' cycle whilst fundraising to support young people across Bristol. Thank you Nick and Tom for taking part in the 'Chase The Sun North' in aid of Young Bristol this month! Support their fundraising page here.

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If you are interested in taking part in a third party fundraising event for Young Bristol, click here and learn how you can help fundraise for us!

On Saturday 21st June, we were pleased to see Amber Chubb sign up to the Morzine-Avoriaz Ultra Trail to raise money for Young Bristol!

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The Morzine - Alvoriaz Ultra Trail is located in the French Alps and is home to an extensive network of incredible slopes. The race saw participants run 100km and climb 5,726 meters in elevation whilst discovering beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views over the Portes du Soleil.

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"I chose Young Bristol because many young people face challenges like poverty and limited access to resources - factors often beyond their control. Having been fortunate to have strong support and opportunities, I want to give back and help young people build confidence and resilience, knowing how much youth shapes our future."

"It was an amazing challenge, lots of highs and lots of lows, and all for a great cause!"

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It has been amazing to see Amber prepare for her first ever Ultra Marathon whilst fundraising to support young people across Bristol. Thank you Amber for taking part in the Morzine-Avoriaz Ultra Trail in aid of Young Bristol this month! Support her fundraising page here.

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If you are interested in taking part in a third party fundraising event for Young Bristol, click here and learn how you can help fundraise for us!

This month, we were excited to invite 8 young people from across our Community Youth Club network to join us at the NABGC Essex Adventure Weekend!

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We were pleased to see young people from Avon Youth Club, BS14 Youth Club, The Grove @ Bedminster Down and Youth Club on Wheels Oatlands Avenue take part in a jam-packed weekend full of activities at Thriftwood Scout Camp Site, from Friday 20th June - Sunday 22nd June 2025!

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Across the weekend, young people were involved with a number of sports activities, including axe throwing, archery, rifle shooting, Jacob's ladder, postmans mate, kayaking, raft-building, cresta run and bush craft. Our young people were also involved in a variety of other group activities including tug of war, assault courses and smores making. During each activity across the weekend, we saw our group meet new people from across the country, try new opportunities and build friendships for life!

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"I had loads of fun. Thank you lots for the weekend, it was a great experience and I would really recommend it."

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Thank you NABGC and Essex Boys and Girls Clubs for arranging an amazing weekend, giving young people the opportunity to try new things and learn life skills!

At Young Bristol, we continue to reflect the what, how and why in order to improve our services, better support our people and develop our facilities.

To ensure we deliver against our outcomes and aims, Young Bristol has implemented an Operations Plan for 2025 - 26. The strategic plan identifies our five key pillars from Our Strategy for 2025 - 28, assigning objectives and outputs that can be measured throughout the operating period.

We introduced our Operations Plan to work alongside Our Strategy and Theory of Change. Our Strategy outlines five key pillars to focus on during 2025 - 28: - Our Partnerships, Our People, Our Places, Our Power to and Our Programmes. We aim during this period to create safe, fit-for-purpose buildings to support our delivery of high-quality services, providing service users and our employees with opportunities to grow and thrive. Our Theory of Change allows us to reflect on our work and the impact we have, it establishes a framework, and ensures our work aligns with our vision.

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By continuing to review our work, reflect on our impact and consult with our stakeholders we can continue to have a clear, demonstratable vision which aligns with our values and goals, for ever young person. 

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Find out more here!

We are pleased to announce that booking for our Summer Outdoor Activities are now live!

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Join Young Bristol and Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre and experience the thrill of the great outdoors! With a range of activities on offer, from paddling Bristol's Harbourside to climbing through an underground adventure, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Book your adventure sessions here!

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3 Day Wet, Wild and Wicked - £130pp

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This is an intensive programme of back to back activities. From navigating through caves to mastering paddleboarding, rock climbing, archery, kayaking, bushcraft, and orienteering challenges, experience a wide range of adventures and activities. Find out more information and book your Wet, Wild and Wicked session here!

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• Wednesday 23rd July - Friday 25th July
• Tuesday 29th July - Thursday 31st July
• Monday 4th August - Wednesday 6th August
• Tuesday 12th August - Thursday 14th August

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Paddlepower Development Course - £85pp

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Two days of back to back activities, embarking on a development course, tailored for young adventurers who are eager to advance their canoeing and kayaking skills. Previous attendance to a Half Day Kayaking session is recommended to make the most of this opportunity. Find out more information and book your Paddle Power Development Course here!

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• Wednesday 20th August - Thursday 21st August

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Full Day Wet and Wicked - £45pp

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Spend the day with us learning about the basic paddling techniques and enjoy playing fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork. You will continue to work with your team mates to build a raft and paddle your team to victory. Find out more information and book your Wet and Wicked session here!

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• Friday 1st August
• Thursday 7th August
• Friday 29th August

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Full Day Wet and Wild - £45pp

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Channel your inner Robin Hood as you learn archery skills and embrace the art of bushcraft, alongside cooking over an open fire. Then experience the aquatic thrills with kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding across Bristol's iconic Harbour. Find out more information and book your Wet and Wild session here!

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• Monday 11th August
• Tuesday 19th August
• Wednesday 27th August

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Half Day Kayaking - £20pp

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A perfect session for beginners, and those with a little experience. Spend the session learning about the basic paddling techniques and take part in fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork. Find out more information and book your Half Day Kayaking session here!

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• Thursday 24th July
• Tuesday 29th July
• Wednesday 6th August
• Wednesday 13th August
• Friday 15th August
• Friday 22nd August
• Tuesday 26th August

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Half Day Paddleboarding - £20pp

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A perfect session for beginners, and those with a little experience. Spend the session with us learning about the basic paddling techniques and enjoy playing fun, confidence-building games that encourage balance, agility and teamwork. Find out more information and book your Half Day Paddleboaring session here!

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• Friday 25th July
• Wednesday 30th July
• Tuesday 5th August
• Thursday 14th August
• Tuesday 19th August
• Thursday 21st August
• Tuesday 26th August

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Join Young Bristol's FREE Summer Holiday Clubs! We are open to all young people aged 8-19 across our Community Youth Clubs. From sports activities to creative workshops, we have something for everyone to enjoy! A free hot, healthy meal will be provided to all young people.

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Our Summer Holiday Activities across our Community Youth Clubs are kindly funded by the Holiday Activity Fund, supported by Bristol City Council, The Department of Education and Your Holiday Hub.

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We are pleased to share a confirmed list of dates for our sessions throughout the Summer. All other delivery will continue as normal in addition to these sessions:

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Ashton Vale Club for Young People

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• Monday 28th July, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 29th July, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 4th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 5th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 11th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 12th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Monday 18th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 12-19)
• Tuesday 19th August, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (Ages 8-11)
• Tuesday 26th August, 5:30pm -8:30pm (Ages 8-11)

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Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 25th August, all other sessions will continue as normal.

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Address: Ashton Vale Club for Young People, Silbury Road, BS3 2QE

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Avon Youth Club

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• Monday 28th July, 10:00am-3:00pm (Ages 8+)
• Tuesday 29th July, 12:15pm-3:00pm (Ages 8+)
• Wednesday 30th July, 10:00am-3:00pm (Ages 8+)
• Thursday 31st July, 10:00am-2:00pm (Ages 8+)
• Monday 4th August, 10:00am-3:00pm (Ages 8+)
• Tuesday 5th August, 10:00am-2:00pm (Ages 8+)
• Wednesday 6th August, 10:00am-2:00pm (Ages 8+)
• Thursday 7th August, 10:00am-2:00pm (Ages 8+)

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Please note: no additional sessions will be running throughout the Summer, the club will reopen on 1st September 2025

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Address: Avon Youth Club, 98a Longcross, BS11 0LP

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BS14 Stockwood Youth Club

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• Monday 28th July, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
• Thursday 31st July, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11, booking required)
• Monday 4th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
• Thursday 7th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11, booking required)
• Monday 11th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 11-19)
• Thursday 14th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11, booking required)
• Thursday 21st August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11, booking required)
• Thursday 28th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Ages 8-11, booking required)

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Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 25th August, all other sessions will continue as normal.

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Address: BS14 Youth Club, Stockwood Lane, BS14 8SJ

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The Grove @ Bedminster Down

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• Monday 28th July, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 3, 4 and 5)
• Wednesday 30th July, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 8+)
• Monday 4th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 3, 4 and 5)
• Tuesday 5th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 6 and 7)
• Monday 11th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 3, 4 and 5)
• Tuesday 12th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 6 and 7)
• Monday 18th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 3, 4 and 5)
• Tuesday 19th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 6 and 7)
• Tuesday 26th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 6 and 7)
• Wednesday 27th August, 5:30pm-8:30pm (Year groups 8+)

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Please note: we will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 25th August, all other sessions will continue as normal.

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Address: The Grove @ Bedminster Down, 27a Cheddar Grove, BS13 7EN

On Sunday 8th June, we were pleased to see Fabien from Burges Salmon sign up to the Cheddar Gorge 10k to raise money for Young Bristol!

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The Cheddar Gorge run is known for its scenic views and stretches over a great variety of terrain, with the route going through a mixture of open meadows, rocky outcrops and cliff edges.

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It was amazing to see Fabien from Burges Salmon preparing for his challenge and fundraising for young people across Bristol!

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“It was a great experience seeing runners of all levels and ages take on this tough challenge. The terrain and Hell Steps on the course were unforgiving, but it was worth it when taking in the breath-taking views on top of the Gorge!

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Thank you to Fabien for taking part in the Cheddar Gorge 10k - we appreciate your ongoing support! If you would like to support his continued fundraising, click here.

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If you are interested in taking part in a third party fundraising event for Young Bristol, click here and learn how you can help fundraise for us!